(NAPSI)—If any of the estimated 51 million schoolkids in America is one you care about, here’s something that is important for you to know: While your children are enjoying a vacation from school, they may be forgetting some of what they learned, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent the “summer brain drain.”
What You Can Do
- Take advantage of free activity kits from Wonder Workshop.
One great way to keep your kids learning and entertained is to download free, printable activity kits from Wonder Workshop, the developer of fun, interactive robots that teach kids to code. Each packet contains online and offline activities for the entire family, with a mix of challenges for Wonder Workshop’s toy robots Dash and Cue, as well as puzzles and reading list recommendations that will keep your kids engaged throughout the summer.
The toys and games balance fun and learning, promote collaboration and provide enduring value to both girls and boys. To help kids unplug for a while, each kit also includes a printable challenge. New packets are available every two weeks through August 13th.
- Show that you value reading.
Make sure that your home has lots of reading materials that are appropriate for your child. Keep books, magazines and newspapers in the house.
And if you need some help, take a trip to the library and help your kids pick out their new favorite book. You can even create a summer reading list with your kids and then reward them as they finish each book.
Most important of all, let your child see you reading for pleasure as well as for performing your routine activities as an adult—reading letters and recipes, directions and instructions, newspapers, computer screens and so forth. Set aside quiet time for family reading or read aloud to one another, with each family member choosing a book, story, poem or article to read to the others.
- Volunteer.
Volunteering can be a great option for older kids. Youth-oriented summer camps, local museums, animal shelters and libraries often look for extra help. This experience is not only valuable for personal and professional development, but it often looks good on college applications.
- Let your child shadow you for the day.
As you go about your daily tasks—shopping, cooking, home repairs—have your child shadow you and see how math, science and reading are useful every day. Real-life applications can do wonders for keeping kids engaged!
Learn More
Wonder Workshop inspires inventors of all ages by giving them the tools to imagine and create the future. Its adorable robots and other award-winning products are used in millions of schools and homes.
For a look at some of the activities in Wonder Workshop’s kits or to order the series, you can go to www.makewonder.com/summer. While the kits are available, parents can connect, learn and share with others on social media by using the hashtag #FunWithWonder.
“To keep your kids’ minds sharp during vacation, you can download free, printable activity kits from Wonder Workshop. Each packet contains online and offline activities for the entire family. http://bit.ly/2L8eZEB”